Walker will serve as Honorary Chairman of 2017 National Health Through Fitness Day.

“This is the most exciting day of the year for the health and wellness of all Americans,” said Walker. “I’ve worked with the SFIA to promote active lifestyles for nearly two decades because I believe in the goodness of their cause and look forward to joining my fellow advocates in meetings with Congress next week.”

The leading sports industry event brings together influential sports celebrities with industry executives and sports and fitness experts to meet with legislators to advocate for sports and active lifestyle policies. Passing the PHIT Act and continued support for physical education in schools are this year’s priorities. Peyton Manning, Alexander Ovechkin, Gary Player and Kerri Walsh have all participated.

“We are incredibly honored to have such strong attendance from legendary athletes every year,” said Tom Cove, SFIA President and CEO. “With the PHIT Act about to be considered in Congress, these superstars giving time to the cause sends a perfect signal about the importance of physical activity in America.”

“I was inspired to become an athlete by the people of character in my life who modeled physical activity as a lifestyle,” said D’Agostino, 2016 Olympic Track & Field Athlete. “The PHIT Act plays an integral part in cultivating holistic wellness and character in the next generation.”

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, National Sporting Goods Association, the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Recreation and Parks Association, Pop Warner Football, the American Council for Exercise, the National Football League, the Cooper Institute, the American League of Bicyclists, the National Hockey League, the Yoga Alliance and the Outdoor Industry Association will be among the organizations participating in National Health Through Fitness Day on March 22.

If you are unable to attend, but would like to help pass the PHIT Act, click here to send a letter to your member of Congress.

To join the conversation, visit the PHIT Act online hub. Use #PHITDay17 and @TheSFIA on Twitter to show your support for the PHIT Act.

About Sports and Fitness Industry Association: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs, and member services. For more information, please visit http://www.sfia.org.